World Bank Greenlights $500 Million AGROW Project to Revolutionize Nigeria’s Agricultural Productivity and Food Security

The World Bank grants $500m for Nigeria's AGROW project to support smallholder farmers and agribusinesses. Learn about the digital farm registry and crop priorities.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 7:19 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Business Hallmark

A Strategic Multi-Million Dollar Intervention for Nigerian Farmers

In a major boost to Nigeria’s primary economic sector, the World Bank has officially approved a $500 million credit facility under the International Development Association (IDA). This funding is dedicated to the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains for Growth Project, known as AGROW. The approval, finalized on March 30, 2026, follows a period of high-level negotiations and is designed to tackle the structural inefficiencies that have long hindered Nigeria’s agricultural potential. By focusing on smallholder farmers and agribusinesses, the project seeks to transform farming from a subsistence activity into a commercially viable enterprise.

Addressing the Productivity Gap and Climate Resilience

Despite being the country’s largest employer, the Nigerian agricultural sector has struggled with low productivity, limited access to high-quality inputs, and an increasing vulnerability to climate shocks. The AGROW project is specifically tailored to mitigate these challenges. A core component of the initiative is a results-based matching grant facility intended for agribusinesses that source produce directly from smallholders. This will streamline aggregation, post-harvest handling, and agro-processing for essential crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and soybeans—staples that are critical to national food security.

Digital Transformation and the National Farmer Registry

One of the most forward-looking aspects of AGROW is the establishment of a national digital farm and farmer registry. This database will facilitate the delivery of digital advisory services, providing farmers with localized weather information and climate-smart agricultural techniques. By modernizing research and extension services, the World Bank aims to increase yields and ensure that one million participating farmers can adapt to shifting environmental conditions. Furthermore, the project will overhaul the regulatory systems for seeds and fertilizers, expanding the supply of early-generation seeds and encouraging private-sector production of high-quality inputs.